Popular
Best now
Puerto Rico
San Juan
Tropical
From $144 /day
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico, known as the Island of Enchantment, offers a vibrant tapestry of Caribbean beauty, Spanish colonial history, and a soul-stirring blend of African and Taino heritage. You can expect a landscape that transitions seamlessly from the neon-blue glow of bioluminescent bays to the emerald canopy of the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System. The capital, San Juan, serves as a gateway where cobblestone streets meet modern luxury, providing a backdrop for world-class dining and a legendary nightlife scene. Whether you are looking for surf-pounded western shores or the quiet, pristine sands of offshore islands, this archipelago delivers a diverse and immersive tropical experience. It is a destination where the warmth of the people is matched only by the year-round sun, making every visit feel like a homecoming.
On This Page
We built this guide using official tourism data, local travel insights, and real pricing from our city guides, so you can plan your trip with confidence.
1 city
3 guides
$144 Daily Budget
Quick Facts
Capital
San Juan
Languages
Spanish, English
Currency
US Dollar (USD)
Plug Type
Type A/B (120V, 60Hz)
Driving Side
Right
Dial Code
+1 (787, 939)
Entry Requirements
Check requirements →
Time Zone
AST (UTC-4)
Emergency
911 (Police/Fire/Ambulance)
Why Visit Puerto Rico
Bioluminescent Wonderlands
Puerto Rico is home to three of the world’s five bioluminescent bays, where microscopic organisms light up the water in a brilliant neon-blue glow at night. Kayaking through Laguna Grande or Mosquito Bay offers a surreal, once-in-a-lifetime experience that feels like paddling through a sea of stars.
Old San Juan’s History
Walking through the 500-year-old walled city of Old San Juan is like stepping back into the Spanish colonial era. You can explore massive coastal fortifications like Castillo San Felipe del Morro and enjoy the brightly colored buildings that line the historic blue cobblestone streets.
El Yunque Rainforest
As the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest system, El Yunque provides a lush escape filled with waterfalls, giant ferns, and rare wildlife. Hiking trails ranging from 1–5km lead you to refreshing natural pools and stunning mountain vistas over the Atlantic coast.
The Culinary Cocina Criolla
The island’s food scene, known as Cocina Criolla, is a flavorful explosion of plantains, slow-roasted pork, and fresh seafood. From roadside kiosks to high-end San Juan eateries, the local obsession with bold seasoning and deep-fried delights ensures a memorable gastronomic journey.
Offshore Island Escapes
A short ferry or plane ride takes you to Culebra and Vieques, islands famous for their untouched, quiet beauty. Flamenco Beach on Culebra is consistently ranked among the world’s best for its horseshoe shape, crystal-clear water, and white sand.
Top Experiences
Top-rated tours and activities in Puerto Rico
Cities & Destinations
Regions
San Juan Metro
The island’s cultural and economic heart, this region offers a mix of historic Old San Juan, the trendy beaches of Condado, and the art-filled streets of Santurce. It is the best base for travelers seeking urban excitement, luxury shopping, and high-energy nightlife.
Porta del Sol (West Coast)
Known as the sunset coast, this region is a haven for surfers, divers, and those looking for a laid-back vibe in towns like Rincón and Aguadilla. You will find rugged cliffs, hidden coves, and some of the best snorkeling spots on the main island.
Porta Caribe (Southern Coast)
Centered around the majestic city of Ponce, the 'Pearl of the South' is famous for its unique Creole architecture and a slower pace of life. Travelers come here to explore grand plazas, historic museums, and the nearby Coamo hot springs.
Eastern Region
This area is the gateway to El Yunque National Forest and the bioluminescent bay in Fajardo. It also serves as the main departure point for ferries heading to the idyllic offshore islands of Vieques and Culebra.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit is from mid-December to April when the weather is driest and the island is most vibrant. May and June offer a great balance of pleasant weather and lower prices before the height of the hurricane season.
Peak Season
Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
The high season features perfect beach weather with temperatures averaging 23–29°C (73–84°F) and minimal rainfall. This is the busiest time for festivals and cruise ship arrivals, leading to higher prices for flights and ~$177–$295 per night for hotels.
Shoulder Season
May, Jun, Nov
These months provide a transition period with fewer crowds. May and June are warm and lush, while November marks the end of the hurricane season with clearing skies and manageable humidity.
Off-Peak
Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
This period coincides with the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season, specifically August and September. While prices are at their lowest and beaches are empty, there is a higher risk of severe storms and frequent afternoon rain showers.
Getting Around
Puerto Rico's transport infrastructure is highly developed in the San Juan metro area but requires a rental car for efficient exploration of the island's interior and coastal regions.
Car
Renting a car is essential for visiting attractions like El Yunque or the west coast. Major agencies operate at the airport; foreign licenses are typically valid for up to 90 days.
Metro
The Tren Urbano is a 17.2-km rapid transit line connecting 16 stations across San Juan, Guaynabo, and Bayamón. A single trip costs ~$1.77.
Bus
Local buses, known as guaguas, serve the San Juan metropolitan area with fares starting at ~$0.88. Routes can be inconsistent, making them less reliable for tight schedules.
Taxi
White 'Taxi Turístico' vehicles operate with fixed rates between the airport and major tourist zones like Old San Juan and Condado. Metered taxis are available elsewhere.
Ferry
Regular ferries run from the town of Ceiba to the offshore islands of Culebra and Vieques, which are famous for their pristine beaches and bioluminescent bays.
Food & Drink
Puerto Rican cuisine is a hearty and flavorful fusion known as Cocina Criolla, blending Spanish, African, and Taino influences. Garlic, onions, and peppers form the base of almost every dish, often centered around plantains and slow-cooked meats.
Must Try
Mofongo
The island's unofficial national dish consists of mashed green plantains seasoned with garlic, olive oil, and pork cracklings, often filled with shrimp, chicken, or beef.
Arroz con Gandules
A staple rice dish cooked with pigeon peas, olives, capers, and a rich sofrito base, usually served during holidays and special gatherings.
Lechón Asado
Succulent, slow-roasted whole pig that is seasoned with local spices and cooked over an open flame until the skin is perfectly crispy.
Alcapurria
A popular street food fritter made from a dough of green bananas and yuca, stuffed with savory ground beef or crab and deep-fried.
Pasteles
Similar to tamales, these are made from a root vegetable masa and stuffed with stewed pork, wrapped in a plantain leaf, and boiled.
Piña Colada
Invented in San Juan, this world-famous cocktail of rum, coconut cream, and pineapple juice is the perfect refreshing tropical treat.
Money & Costs
Puerto Rico uses the US Dollar, making it a relatively expensive Caribbean destination with costs similar to the US mainland. Expect a mid-range daily budget of ~$144 per person.
Tipping
Tipping follows US norms, with 15–20% expected in sit-down restaurants. It is also customary to tip ~$1.18–$2.36 per bag for porters and ~$12–$18% for tour guides.
Cards
Credit and debit cards are accepted at almost all hotels, restaurants, and shops in urban areas. Small beach kiosks (chinchorros) and rural markets often require cash.
ATMs
ATMs are ubiquitous, especially in San Juan. Using ATMs inside banks is recommended to avoid skimming devices occasionally found at isolated machines.
Culture & Etiquette
Puerto Ricans are known for their warmth, hospitality, and social nature, where greetings are essential and family is the cornerstone of society. While the island is a U.S. territory, its cultural identity remains fiercely distinct and proudly Latin American.
✓
Always greet people with a friendly 'Buenos días' (Good morning) or 'Buenas tardes' (Good afternoon), even when entering a small shop or elevator.
✓
Follow U.S. tipping standards, leaving 15–20% in sit-down restaurants and ~$1.18–$2.36 per bag for porters.
✕
Don't wear swimwear or very casual beach attire when walking through the city streets of Old San Juan or entering churches.
✓
Dress up slightly for dinner at nicer restaurants, as locals take pride in their appearance and often prefer a 'smart casual' look.
✕
Don't smoke in public indoor spaces, bars, or restaurants, as the island has comprehensive indoor smoking prohibitions in many public and enclosed places.
✓
Practice patience with 'island time'; services and social gatherings may start 15–30 minutes later than scheduled.
✓
Use a light handshake or a single kiss on the right cheek when meeting someone in a social setting, depending on the level of familiarity.
✕
Don't forget to pay for parking in San Juan, as ticket enforcement is very efficient and fines are high.
Safety & Health
Puerto Rico is generally safe for tourists who take normal security precautions. Petty crime like pickpocketing is the most common issue, particularly in crowded tourist hubs and unattended vehicles at beaches.
Tap Water
safe in most areas
Vaccinations
Hepatitis A and B, as well as Typhoid vaccinations, are recommended for most travelers. Mosquito-borne risks include Dengue, Zika, and Chikungunya.
Common Scams
- ⚠ Unlicensed taxis at airports or ports that overcharge by claiming broken meters or taking long routes.
- ⚠ Parking 'helpers' in public areas who demand ~$5.89–$12 to watch your car, which is an unofficial and coercive practice.
- ⚠ Card skimming at poorly lit or standalone ATMs in non-bank locations.
- ⚠ High-pressure timeshare or 'free vacation' presentations that involve hidden fees and aggressive sales tactics.
Healthcare facilities in San Juan are of a high standard, equivalent to the US mainland. Comprehensive travel insurance is vital as medical costs are high.
Language
Spanish is the primary language of daily life and government. English is widely spoken in the tourism industry, hotels, and the San Juan metro area, but proficiency drops significantly in rural towns.
English Spoken: Moderately spoken
Key Phrases
| Meaning | Local | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | Hola | oh-lah |
| Thank you | Gracias | grah-syahs |
| Please | Por favor | por fah-bohr |
| Where is the bathroom? | ¿Dónde está el baño? | dohn-deh ehs-tah ehl bah-nyoh |
| How much does it cost? | ¿Cuánto cuesta? | kwan-toh kwes-tah |
| The check, please | La cuenta, por favor | lah kwen-tah por fah-bohr |
| I don't speak Spanish | No hablo español | noh ah-bloh ehs-pah-nyohl |
| Excuse me | Perdone | pehr-doh-neh |
Visa & Entry
Puerto Rico follows U.S. federal immigration rules. Visa Waiver Program travelers need an approved ESTA and can stay up to 90 days. Note: Canada is not a VWP country and has different U.S. entry rules. Passport validity rules depend on nationality and agreements.
Max Stay
90 days or less (VWP); varies by nationality
Passport Validity
Generally 6 months beyond departure unless exempt by agreement (check for your nationality)
Visa-free for
VWP countries (e.g., UK, Germany, France, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand)—not Canada. Check official U.S. State Dept VWP list for complete, current eligibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Puerto Rico safe for tourists?
How expensive is a trip to Puerto Rico?
When is the best time to visit Puerto Rico?
Do I need a visa for Puerto Rico?
Is English spoken in Puerto Rico?
What should I eat in Puerto Rico?
How do I get around Puerto Rico?
Is the tap water safe to drink in Puerto Rico?
Do I need a reservation for El Yunque National Forest?
How do I visit the bioluminescent bays?
Why you can trust this guide
Jan Křenek
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
Ready to explore Puerto Rico?
Browse our 1 city guides with budget tips, itineraries, and seasonal recommendations.